Green Energy Post

Noise reduction is a good thing. Cars have always been noisy, contributing to noise pollution. Cars also require significant gas expenses.

New Hybrid electrical cars are silent. It is because their electrical engines are designed to work differently to that of a normal car’s engine. There is minimal internal combustion & emissions created by it that there is virtually no noise coming from the hybrid car’s engine.

Some people particularly the blind, complain that a hybrid car is dangerous because it is silent. It had become an issue to the extent that the N.F.B. (National Federation of the Blind) is calling for hybrid car manufacturers to make their cars produce a more noticeable sound preferably like traditional car engines. The reason is so that blind people can hear the hybrid cars coming their way.

An ear drum blasting, 100 decibel sub woofer, gas guzzling hot rod had received no complaints from the N.F.B. even though it has the ability to mask the noise of an incoming 8 ton truck or perhaps even that of a Jumbo jet.

However, the above “threat” is probably less likely to happen to many a blind person as compared to the probability of a silent hybrid car driver, in a car that sounds as stealthy as a cat, drive too close to pedestrians & then accidentally running over an unsuspecting blind person.

The above scenario is probably why the threat from the revolutionary, economical, cost efficient, noiseless, 50 miles per gallon & environment friendly silent hybrid car remains the prominent concern of the N.F.B.

“We confirmed the comparative noise levels of hybrid and gas-powered cars, using a Toyota Prius — one of the more popular models. Toyota officials say they are studying the issue; they also note that on the opposite side of the issue are advocates of reduced noise pollution.”, reported Robert Siegel, a radio journalist while talking to Dr. Fredric Schroeder, first vice president of the National Federation of the Blind.

The Toyota officials were also reported to advise drivers and pedestrians to exercise increased caution while driving their silent hybrid vehicles. Anyway, it seems that the benefits of a silent hybrid car far outweighs the apparent setbacks its silent engine design.

There should be a technology like tags which have sensors to detect any nearby moving vehicles that can be especially useful for the blind people. Also, special classes can be a good idea to educate blind people about the devices & special precautions taken to further address the issue of presumably dangerous silent cars.

Until then, silent hybrid car drivers can learn to utilize the polite horn when they encounter blind people. Silent hybrid car owners should know how to differentiate blind people from other pedestrians to give the blind people special attention. Educated silent hybrid car drivers can do more to avoid unwanted vehicular accidents involving blind people.

By: Abas Kamal Bin Sulaiman

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As oil prices continue to increase amid depleting supplies and rapid growth in demand, all economies globally are feeling the setbacks of the need to curtail excessive consumption of fuel.

For quite some time, research and development has been actively finding ways on how problems regarding very high demand could finally be eliminated. With the advent of the hybrid car, car owners and users all over the world are now finding relief that indeed there is hope.

A hybrid car is a specially designed and manufactured vehicle that combines the power of the conventional gasoline engine and electricity. In the past, many have referred to hybrid vehicles as electric vehicles.

Technically, a hybrid car could not be classified as purely electric because only about 40% of the energy consumption of the vehicle is from electric sources, in the form of stored electricity in batteries.

Though the wide use of hybrid cars provide hope that in the future, when oil supplies finally and completely runs out, the transportation industry would not feel the drawback. Yes, for now, driving a hybrid auto could equate to a lot of savings on the part of the car owner.

At least, the overall consumption of oil could be significantly lowered. Research is still ongoing so that in the near future, further better versions of the modern hybrid auto could be developed and launched into the market.

However, just like many other predecessor technologies, there are actual setbacks to owning and using a hybrid car. Many people hope that in the coming months or years, people could finally realize a better and more effective hybrid car. Here are the most practical and obvious of those drawbacks.

1. Because the hybrid car technology is still a relatively new car technology, it is just logical that the vehicle is expensive. On the average, a hybrid car these days costs more than the regular and usual cars by around $2,000 to $5,000. That is just right and is expected with the high demand for the car as more consumers get excited about it and manufacturers continue to produce the vehicle models on a limited ability.

2. Any hybrid car needs to allot a significant amount of space for battery. Because the hybrid car needs batteries to keep it going and for the use of some if its functions, the overall weight of the car gets more and more.

3. There are several states in the United States and some other global governments globally that are charging more additional fees and other charges for acquisition and registration.

4. If the hybrid car gets into possible crashes and collisions in the future, there is a risk that the incident would be more tragic. A hybrid car typically and normally has high voltage wires within it.

5. A regular and even simple hybrid car is made of a very complicated car system. Thus, ordinary mechanics would not have the needed and required skills and knowledge to attend to any technical need for maintenance of any hybrid car.

6. Because hybrid cars are still not too rampant and ordinary, buying spare parts may be very hard, if not impossible. Further, costs of spare parts can be very expensive.

7. It is a common knowledge that hybrid cars run slower than regular car models.

By: Alex Baumm

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The word hybrid represents economy and efficiency, in the car industry. The term hybrid car is used to describe a car which can use both gasoline and electricity as fuel. This mix of fuel in the hybrid car reduces your dependence on expensive and polluting gasoline.

Several car companies have started the manufacture of hybrid cars. Toyota, Ford, Honda are some of the leading car manufacturers who have come up with some exiting models of hybrid cars.

The gasoline engine provides most of the power for the hybrid car and the electric motor provides additional power. This additional power is used, when it is needed to accelerate. For any reason, the power is reduced the electric motor provides additional power for the hybrid car. This helps in the design of a more compact and efficient engine.

Two types of hybrid cars are available. They are the parallel hybrid car and the series hybrid car. The series hybrid car uses the power of gasoline to recharge the batteries by using a generator. The parallel hybrid car uses the power of gasoline and electricity together, to provide greater speed or economy. The electric motors used in a hybrid car, regenerate energy. The electric motors also control the breaking system, in hybrid cars.

Whenever brakes are applied energy is generated. This is stored in the batteries and used whenever required. No additional charge is required for the batteries of a hybrid car.

Whenever you stop at a signal the motor switches off on its own, thus conserving fuel. Hybrid cars run much smoother than the gasoline run vehicles.

Hybrid cars give 20 to 30 miles more per gallon than their gasoline counterparts. The hybrid cars have a higher price tag. But the economy of running a hybrid car, and the environmental considerations, outweighs the higher price. However, hybrid car sales have not picked up much because of the limited availability of these vehicles.

By: B.N. Sridhar

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Have you heard of hybrid cars? Many of today’s consumers are looking to hybrid cars to help them control the cost of their commute in the face of rising gas prices.

One savvy consumer who purchased a hybrid is Emily Callahan. Callahan, a 24-year-old landscape architect, purchased a Nissan Altima Hybrid as her first car in 2007. Nissan had just released this hybrid in January of that year, making her one of the first purchasers of the model.

Why did Callahan choose a hybrid? A number of factors, including fuel efficiency, environmental impact, size, and tax incentives encouraged her decision. She got a nice sized tax increase because, as one of the first consumers to purchase a hybrid, she got back $2300 (the full sales tax on the car).

Hybrids mean big savings and not just during tax time. A driver of a hybrid vehicle will save regularly at the pump, and will be stopping for gas less often. Callahan’s Altima Hybrid averages thirty-six miles per gallon which really adds up.

Callahan compares her costs with that of her friend, who has a non-hybrid Nissan Altima 2007. They each have a one-hour commute, but Callahan spends $75 per week while her friend spends around $100 on her commute.

Callahan says she’ll never go back to a traditional vehicle. She points out that not only does she save money, but the hybrid car has no carbon emissions to harm the atmosphere.

Callahan points out a more unusual benefit to being a hybrid owner: camaraderie. Not only does she save money and help to protect the environment, but drivers of other hybrids recognize her efforts. Once in traffic, another driver of an Altima Hybrid stopped and gave her a thumbs up.

Hybrids offer many advantages. Because of this, a number of car manufacturers have joined the hybrid party. Nissan is one manufacturer, but also Saturn, Ford, Toyota, Honda, and Lexus have hybrid models. You can find a hybrid in any size you need, from compact all the way to SUV.

By: Andrew M. Miller

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Hybrid cars are great and have a lot of advantages, no doubt about it. Hybrid cars save you gas, therefore keeping your wallet thick! These cars also have less contribution to the greenhouse effect than conventional cars. These are the two biggest pros of a hybrid car. But we all know if something has advantages, it has disadvantages too!

The Price

The biggest disadvantage of hybrid cars is definitely the price! For instance, the 2008 Toyota Camry costs about $19,000, while the hybrid version costs almost $25,000. That is approximately a $6,000 difference, which is a lot of money. Another example is the 2008 Honda Civic with a base price of $15,000, while the Civic Hybrid is costs $7,000 more. On average, the hybrid version of a car costs between $2,000 and $4,000 more than the non- hybrid version.

Dangerous in Accidents

Although the electric engine gives you more mileage and helps you save gas, it can be also dangerous in a collision. Most hybrid cars use metal hydride batteries and the high voltage that they store can be really unsafe when the wires are exposed, thus there is a chance the driver will get electrocuted when involved in an accident.

The Battery

As mentioned above, the batteries in hybrid cars can kill theoretically. There are some other issues with the battery. Hybrid car manufacturers include warranties to cover the batteries for 80,000-100,000 miles. The carmakers also say the car’s battery will last forever. But what if something unforeseen happens and the car’s batteries are not under warranty anymore? Unfortunately batteries cost a fortune! The other problem with the batteries is that it needs to be recharged at least every second week. So, if you go to vacation you might need to find a “car-sitter” to take care of your car. Some hybrid car owners also report problems with the battery in cold weather.

Performance

No offense, but most hybrid cars are slow! They have slower acceleration and a lower top-speed than conventional counterparts. If you are in need for speed, hybrid cars won’t satisfy your needs! Hybrid cars will make you drive slow, which is actually not a bad thing!

Despite all these drawbacks, hybrid cars are the way to! Car manufacturers are working to eliminate these disadvantages. I am pretty sure hybrid cars in the near future will be lighter, safer and provide better performance!

By: Emilio G Varga

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Hybrid cars are safe just like all the other cars in their class. They go through the same crash tests and score the same good results.

However, they are very expensive for the general public. The big majority of time, you do not need the additional power given by the bigger engine anyway.

Hybrid cars are propulsed by a mix of a gas engine and an electrical motor – a complex technology that is constantly improved by manufacturers, although hybrids have been on for sale for almost 5 years.

Hybrid cars are especially fuel efficient in the town, but also they are appropriate for country trips. Examples were cited of how they are being used in many european businesses as delivery cars around the town.. usually like pizza or postal deliveries.

Hybrids do not have to be plugged in, yet they deliver outstanding mileage compared to their gas-only opposite numbers. Hybrid cars are made with a gas engine, an electrical motor and a high powered battery.

Hybrid cars are better than most alternative sources of energy in working with the energy crisis. The Japanese have led the way in hybrid cars with their outstanding Toyota Prius.

All the electricity they use comes at last from the gas engine. In the upcoming years, more and more hybrids will become affordable.

But the biggest concern we face is their price.

If they were already affordable to anyone, we would all be using hybrid cars. Well, there is another options that gives very similar results, for less than a fraction of the price.

You can convert your own car to use a mix of water and fuel. This should double your gas mileage, reduce toxic emissions, and it should not cost more than $100 to install.

By: Thomas Richards

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One of the most looked forward to advancement in technology is the production of hybrid cars. New, improved models are being introduced and they are here not only to save consumers on gas. The care of the environment is one of the foremost factors on the minds of many consumers. As with the introduction of new inventions and technology, questions are raised about the impact of hybrid cars on the environment.

The popularity of hybrid cars is increasing. Besides making a fashion statement or even as an outward support of the environment, driving a hybrid automobile announces to the world that ‘I care’ or ‘I am doing my part’ to save the environment. The number of celebrities singing their praises adds fuel (no pun intended) to the pomp and glamour beckoning the common masses to join in the cause. More and more are attracted to these vehicles of the future and are intrigued by the fact that some do not use gas at all. There will be pros and cons on the impact these vehicles will have on the environment.

One of the negative effects of hybrid cars on the environment is the use of the nickel metal hydride batteries. Battery toxicity is one of the concerns of the environment friendly. Not unlike the conventional lead batteries used, nickel metal hydride batteries are toxic though less problematic. Ideally lithium should be the battery of choice. For now hybrid car producers are offering substantial cash bonus for the return of used nickel metal hydride batteries for recycling. Many critics are quick to point out that since hybrid cars use both fuel and electricity so they are not as yet perfect. However technology is racing ahead each day and we should be able to reach our goal before long.

There are many benefits to driving a hybrid car. One is because they use less fuel. They produce less smog thus reducing smog pollution. They run on batteries but do not need to be plugged in so they are as convenient as conventional gas powered engines. The gas power only kicks in at higher speeds, leaving a majority of the work to the electric portion of the engine. This helps to save on your monthly gas bills.

More and more car manufacturers are jumping on the bandwagon to produce the environmentally friendly hybrids. Currently The Toyota Prius is the most popular of the hybrid cars. Not to be left out, Lexus, Ford and Honda all produce hybrid cars as well. The popularity of the hybrid cars increases from day to day. The positive impact it has created far outweighs the negative ones. Americans are aware of this and are drawn thus to this hot option when upgrading their automobiles.

By: Erin Hunt

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Chrysler’s Future Hybrid Cars were a big hit at the Last Detroit Auto Show this year.In the next few years we will see many changes in the Auto industry, most drastically will be the move towards the totally Electric Cars and Diesel Hybrid Cars. Detroit has seen the writing on the wall and has started a major move in that direction. This years Detroit Auto show had several new additions to the Hybrid Cars of The Future. The 2008 Hybrid Cars have made an impact but these concept Hybrid Cars from Chrysler blows them away. When you look at these American Hybrid Cars of the Future you can see that the Green Car movement is alive and well in Detroit.

Chrysler’s three electric concept cars were some of the most popular displays at the show. The ecoVoyger was the most elegant of the three, the Jeep Renegade designed for the more rugged green buyer, and the Dodge Zeo appealed the driving enthusiasts in the crowd. Each one had its own driving niche to fill. The Social Impact of Hybrid Cars is plain to see by the amount of interest in Hybrid Cars lately that the general public has shown.

The ecoVoyager has glass roof with a center spine and boat like tail with short body overhangs. It has four seats that are contoured the body and a recessed area in the headliner that directs music to each seat without the need of privet headsets. Why Hybrid Cars Get Great Mileage is because of their duel power system and this Luxury Hybrid Car is no exception. The ecoVoyager has a 268 horsepower electric motor and a driving range that can be extended to 300 miles when combined with a Hydrogen Fuel Cell extender. This Hybrid Car will be high in the List of Hybrid Cars Coming soon. The ease of entry is achieved by front doors that open top 90 degrees and rear doors that are hinged in the rear and swing to the back. I hope to see more of these Hybrid Cars on the road not just on stage.

The Jeep Renegade has a 1.5 liter three cylinder Diesel Engine that charges the battery pack for an extended range of 400 miles that should make any off road lover smile. The Renegade has two electric motors one on each axle that are 200 hundred kilowatt putting out 268 hp. The drive train comes complete with a low range gear and locking differentials. Rubber clad headlights and tail lights add to it’s rugged off road look. When you see this vehicle you know its not your ordinary Diesel Hybrid Car. The Renegade will not be on the list of Luxury Hybrid Cars but it fits the niche it was designed for quite well. The features on the Renegade will be a bench mark for Off Road Hybrid Cars to aspire to.

Inside the interior we have a one piece co-molded instrument panel covered with a urethane skin and the steering wheel is made of light weight silicone and aluminum.

Chrysler has built this car to go almost anywhere and have the same long range capabilities as any normal gas powered vehicle. This Chrysler marvel has all the Benefits of Hybrid Cars and Off Road Capabilities combined.

The Chrysler ZEO (short for zero emissions) is just that thanks to a single 200 kilowatt 268 hp electric motor that is powered by a 64 kilowatt battery pack, that makes this car an All Electric Car. The car has a range of 250 miles and a purposed 0 to 60 in under 6 seconds. As you can see in the picture it has four scissor doors with the rear doors pivoting to the back and away from the rear seats for easy entry.

A narrow console sweeps down from the windshield to the rear giving a twin cockpit effect. The dashboard is a wide sloping fabric covered curved piece that travels past the front door into the back panels with wonderful uniformity. The windshield, steering wheel, and instruments give a single design impression to the passengers. With the low slung sporty look that this car has Seemed to appeal to many of the visitors at the Detroit Auto Show. This could be one of the best non Hybrid Cars of The Future for fun commuting around town. The Tax Rebate on both Hybrid Cars and Electric Cars Gives added incentive for everyone to take a second look at these cars in the future.

By: Terry P Reeves

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Literally, the term “hybrid” means anything of a mixed origin, a product of two varying kinds. Hybrids are the outgrowth of technological advancements inspired by man?s creativity and curiosity, evidence that necessity is indeed the mother of invention.

It was in the year 1899 that man had first come up with the hybrid car engineered by Ferdinand Porsche. A hybrid car is operated by both a gasoline engine and an electric motor. Hybrid cars were not as popular to the people at that time as they have become recently. Now, famous automobile manufacturers like Toyota and Honda have several innovative and trendy models of hybrid cars.

Like any other vehicle, the hybrid car is composed of a gas engine, fuel tank, batteries, and a transmission. A major difference is that the engine is smaller in size, and it has an electric motor that functions with the gas engine.

The hybrid car is viewed to be the long-awaited answer to our worries about the continuous rise of fuel prices and rampant air pollution. Due to the shortage of oil mining sources and the increasing demand for fuel, some are beginning to worry that there will come a time when there will be no more oil left. Also, the amount of destructive air pollutants like the auto engine, which is considered as the biggest polluter on earth, has become very alarming. These factors have induced more people to search for alternative energy sources. Out of these concerns hybrid cars have evolved.

The hybrid car can save money on fuel costs and reduce the emission of carbon dioxide since it is powered by not gas alone but also by electricity. The hybrid car also has a self-recharging quality, so it doesn?t need to be plugged into an outlet. Therefore, the lesser fuel needed, the less the cost, and the less the pollution.

By: Eddie Tobey

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This article will be broken down into three sections: the advantages of a hybrid car, the disadvantages of a hybrid car, and then how you can decide whether a hybrid car is for you when comparing the advantages and disadvantages.

Hybrid cars are here to stay. More and more car manufacturers are working on concept cars and hybrids are becoming more and more mainstream every day. At some point in the future, we will all drive hybrid cars. Hybrid cars are great in that they emit less pollutants than do conventional gasoline powered cars. You’re having a positive effect on the environment any time you drive a hybrid car. There are also great fuel savings. A hybrid car such as a Civic hybrid can have miles per gallon anywhere from 45 to 60 miles per gallon. This comes in comparison to a conventional gasoline powered Civic sedan with about 25 miles in the city versus 36 miles on the highway per gallon. You are able to save a great deal of money every year because of the fuel efficiency. You also get tax breaks when looking at buying a hybrid car. In 2005, an agreement was put in place allowing tax rebates on different hybrid motor vehicles in these differ based upon what type of vehicle you are buying.

Hybrids do carry some disadvantages which must be noted. When you’re looking at buying a hybrid car versus a conventional gasoline powered vehicle, you are going to pay more for the hybrid car. This can be from $1000-$6000 or more for a vehicle. That is a great deal of money for anyone when working to help the environment. Hybrid cars are also heavier due to the makeup of the engine. Most hybrid cars also are built more efficiently so they do not have the same output as many conventional gasoline powered cars do. When talking about accidents, there can be some problems because the electric portion of the engine can create risks of electrocution.

There are advantages versus disadvantages no matter what you do in life. With hybrid cars, you need to think about whether or not you’re willing to pay more for the car and compare it to how much you are able to save in money from buying less fuel. You need to figure out how much you drive so that you can see how long it will take for you to recoup the cost of the higher price on the hybrid vehicle. You will be making a positive impact on the environment by creating less pollution.

Hopefully this article on the disadvantages and advantages of a hybrid car gives you good information. There is a cost comparison which comes into play when looking at the difference in price versus the difference in fuel savings. Good luck in figuring out whether the hybrid car or the conventional car works for you.

By: Gregg Hall

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Not only are these are efficiently designed and efficient in working, but the cost of these are less as compared to the fuel engine cars that we currently used. Plus, to add to the list, they come in attractive and compact designs which suit almost everybody. Many automobile companies are collaborating with each other and setting up units to develop hybrids cars as they are turning into a need in the future when fuel prices will be above reach for the common man. These are also called as electrical cars or green cars due to their part electrical engine and non pollution emitting aspect respectively. This gives you an average of 20 to 30 gallons of fuel more than the normal cars that we currently use.

Most of these running on the roads right now offer you a combination of a gasoline and an electric engine. The electric part of the engine is charged when the vehicle is in use, and the energy is derived from the gasoline. Some of the more combinations of hybrid car are being worked on, improved and produced in the market currently by some of the most famous companies in the production of automobiles. There is a chance that after a few days all the cars that run on the roads might be converted to hybrid engines in order to save fuel for our future generations.

Hybrid cars are fitted with smaller engines which give them many advantages over normal cars. The bigger engines increase the weight of the car and the car requires more energy on uphill roads leading to more fuel consumption. The pistons in the small engine are small and require less energy to pump and make the engine work. In normal cars, fuel is ****** by the engine even if the car is not moving ahead or is in a standing position. This does not happen in a hybrid car engine. Almost no fuel is consumed when the car is still on but standing at a constant position.

By: Pirasanth Ravi

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Hybrid cars are taking the world by storm – figuratively, literally. And here are just two of the latest hybrid cars that avid car fans and buyers are sure to love.

If you want an eco-friendly hybrid car that not only drives like a dream but is a weight off your conscious too, then you must see the PGO Cevennes Turbo-CNG. This nifty little hybrid car will run on bio gas making it essential in today’s fight against global warming.

You may be forgiven for thinking that hybrid cars are going to end up looking, well, ugly. This is simply not the case where the PGO Cevennes Turbo-CNG is concerned. Looking at the car’s rounded edges and the sleek design you may as well be looking at one of the top sports cars in the world. With a soft top to boot, you can make sure your next luxury car is a hybrid one.

The PGO Cevennes Turbo-CNG has been developed by BRA GmbH. This company has been at the very forefront of the development of hybrid cars for well over ten years now. They are based in Germany and they have developed not only environmentally-friendly hybrid cars but cars that have excellent style and design, as well.

The car itself isn’t due to be released until March 2008, but you can be sure it will open to a fanfare of utter amazement! The car is only likely to cost around 48,000 Euros making it not only environmentally-friendly but also friendly on your pockets, as well.

The Cadillac Provoq concept

America has realized that the gas-guzzling, environment-harming vehicles are not going to save the world any time soon. The eco-drive and style brought by hybrid cars have finally found their way to America and they have managed to do it in amazing degree… Not that we expected anything less of course.

As the flag bearer of hybrid cars, the Cadillac Provoq concept car has two main points. On the one side, it clearly shows the style, class and beauty that is renowned with Cadillac cars. It also has in its favour the hybrid car technology that is actually making the car a sure heart-stopper.

The Cadillac Provoq concept car is made to appeal to the luxury car owners; it oozes class and style and is sure to stand up in its own right against other luxury cars. If it is luxury next to hybrid car technology that you are looking for then you need not look any further.

The Cadillac Provoq concept hybrid car has wheels that are powered by the car’s 94bhp motor, which of course is electric. The car’s rear wheels have the 54bhp motor each. These features enhance the Provoq’s mileage for every small amount of gas it consumes – saving the planet and your pocket from hundreds of dollars spent on fuel. This is something that Cadillac Provoq owners would be very much proud of.

The PGO Cevennes Turbo-CNG and the Cadillac Provoq concept will fit right into any city or town and with their sporty look and sleek design they are simply head turners.

By: Alex Baumm

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Many automobile companies have spend millions of dollars each year in research and development of more efficient fuel consumption for cars. Each year more and more cars are rolled out the production plants and there is an urgent call by consumers and environmental groups to reduce the fuel consumption of automobiles.

With the increasing cost of fuel and the environmental concerns regarding harmful emissions of toxic gases into our atmosphere, automobile companies are forced to developed radically different types of cars. One of which is the hybrid car

A hybrid is powered by conventional fuel as well as uses electric energy. Hybrid cars have lower fuel consumption and are more environmentally friendly.

All hybrid cars are powered by two engines : a gasoline engine and a electric engine. Typically, they work in tandem with each other. The gasoline engine is used during starting and stopping the car. Once the car is travelling at a certain speed, the electric engine will take over automatically.

In the current market, there are 2 types of hybrid car. The first type is the series. Typically, the gasoline engine is used to start and stop the car. Once the hybrid car has attained a certain speed, the electric engine will take over. The gasoline engine is also used to charge the electric engine’s batteries. As you can see, both engines are used in tandem with each other but never together.

The second type is called the parallels. It has the same physical configuration of the series hybrid however the operation is quite different. Both the electric engine and the gasoline engine can be used to start and stop the car. The electric engine is used to boost the power of the car when required. Parallel hybrid cars are more suited for long distance travelling.

Usually, hybrid cars are built using very lightweight materials in order to reduce the load on the hybrid car when travelling. This help to save fuel by requiring less energy to move the vehicle. The tires are made more rigid than conventional vehicles with higher tire pressure to increase fuel efficiency.

In on whole, a hybrid car consumes 50 to 60 percent less fuel than a conventional car. The only obstacle is the high cost at the present moment but I am sure as consumers start to recognize the benefits of hybrid car, the prices will start falling and become more affordable.

By: Ricky Lim

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A few short decades from now, you might not have to wait in line at the gas station.

Hybrid cars, which combine internal combustion engines with a rechargeable energy system, have become an increasingly visible sight on the highway. Considered more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, they’re believed to have struck a major blow in the battle against fossil fuel consumption and global warming.

The first version of a hybrid car dates back to 1901, when Ferdinand Porshe, a French automobile developer, created the “Mixte,” a car that ran off a gasoline-powered electrical generator. The Mixte won a number of sporting events, and even broke the Austrian land speed record. Porsche later developed the original model of the Volkswagen Beetle, while his son, Ferry Porsche helped create the world-famous Porsche sports cars.

The modern-day hybrid car has its roots in the 1970s, when Victor Wouk, called “The Grandfather of the Hybrid,” developed a prototype hybrid car, the Buick Skylark. This was put on hold by the Environmental Protection Agency, under controversial circumstances. Wouk remained a supporter of hybrid technology, and did many papers and lectures on the subject up until his death in 2005.

In 1978, engineer David Arthurs developed what would become a mainstay of modern hybrid technology, the regenerative breaking system. This system allows hybrid cars to convert a part of their kinetic energy (energy of motion) into electricity, which is then stored in their batteries. In this way, a hybrid car is able to conserve power, and use energy more efficiently.

Hybrid cars made their next great leap forward in 1989, when Audi unveiled the first version of the Audi Duo, a variation on an electric car it had already manufactured. In 1993, U.S. President Bill Clinton initiated a new program with major automotive manufacturers, including Ford and General Motors, to produce more environmentally-friendly cars, helping spur development of new types of engines.

The hybrid car began to truly take off in the 1990s with the introduction of the Honda Insight and the Toyota Prius. The Prius soon became the most popular hybrid car, offering up to 40 percent more fuel efficiency than combustion-based models. In fact, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, which had once shot down the Buick Skylark, it is the most fuel-efficient car in the United States.

The Prius was originally developed in 1994, and first went on sale in December 1997. According to the EPA, it is able to go 46 miles per gallon of gas.

Hybrid cars have become increasingly popular, boasting a 100,000 increase in sales in 2007, a year when overall light-vehicle sales declined. About 350,000 hybrid cars were sold in 2007, marking their biggest year ever. With many U.S. manufacturers such as General Motors looking to introduce more models of hybrid cars over the next few years, it’s clear that while hybrid cars have taken a long time to gain widespread popularity, their real story is only just beginning. The future is here…and it’s hybrid.

The author also recommends that you visit these sites:

http://www.hybridcars.com/history/the-great-hybrid-car-cover-up-of-74.html

By: Brenda Williams

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There are many reasons why people should drive electric hybrid cars. They are safer for the environment than gasoline engines. They also are more fuel efficient, and cost less money to operate than a gasoline powered car. However, they also cost a little more to purchase than a similar gasoline powered car, and because they are so new it is hard to find any inexpensive used models. They also do not burn less fuel when being operated at highway speeds. Since the biggest consumers of gas and the biggest polluters are tractor-trailers and other commercial vehicles, the use of electric hybrid cars will make only a small dent in cleaning up the environment.
It is frequently advertised that electric hybrid cars are good for the environment. This is because they use less gasoline than regular combustion engines. They emit far less pollution than a regular car because at least part of the time they run on electricity which is a much cleaner form of energy than gasoline. If everyone drove an electric hybrid car, the environment would be a much cleaner place. Problems like smog and the hole in the ozone layer could be fixed.

Hybrid cars are also good for the environment not only because they are preventing pollution, but because they are using up less of our natural resources. It has been shown that if we continue to use oil at the rate we are presently using it, it will not be long before there is no oil left. However, with electric hybrid cars we can use less oil. In this way electric hybrid cars conserve our natural resources and prevent an oil shortage from occurring.

Another good reason to drive an electric hybrid car is because they can save their drivers a lot of money. Electric hybrid cars use far less fuel than gasoline powered engines. Their owners save money because they do not need to buy gas as much. The cars produce their own electricity. The cars operate on a combination of gas and electricity. When the motor is being powered by electricity it is not burning gas. Owners of hybrid cars can spend half as much or more on gas as people who own similarly sized gasoline powered cars. This is a very big selling point at this point in time because gas prices keep getting more expensive.

There are several reasons why not everyone is running out and buying electric hybrid cars even though they sound so great. At the present time, these cars cost a little more than similarly sized gasoline cars. For most people, price is very important when it comes to purchasing a vehicle. Many cannot afford to buy a new car, and buy used cars instead. Since electric hybrid cars are a relatively new invention there are very few used ones available, and most of those are not very inexpensive. Right now, there are not many choices available to buyers of hybrid cars. Those who desire minivans, SUVs, or pickup trucks need to buy gasoline powered cars for now until hybrid versions of these vehicles become available.

While it may seem that the use of electric hybrid cars could really clean up the environment, there are a few things that people need to be aware of. At present the hybrid cars that are available are better on gas and better on the environment only when they are being driven in town or at a slower rate of speed. The technology that exists at present has not produced a car than can run solely on electricity at highway speeds. This means that when a hybrid car is driven at sixty miles per hour it is running on gasoline and burning just as much fuel as an ordinary gasoline powered engine. Also the technology has not yet produced a hybrid engine suitable for tractor trailers or other large commercial vehicles which represent some of the biggest polluters and consumers of gas.

If every family owned just one electric hybrid vehicle it could significantly help the environment by creating less pollution and using less gasoline. Families who can afford these cars can save themselves money on gasoline. However, this technology is new and there are still several areas in which the hybrid car can be improved so that it could have an even bigger positive impact on the environment and the people who drive them.

By: Holly Odom

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danmac7055 asked:


What is more likely to happen, a new fuel is found are/or different ways of producing it and piston engined cars are powered by this better fuel similar to the way it is now or electric cars? Obviously both are going to happen but which is going to completely take over the auto industry in the future? This is excluding possibility of hybrids.